La Puente's Food Bank Network Addresses Rising Hunger in San Luis Valley

The Food Bank Network of the San Luis Valley, operated by La Puente, continues to provide essential emergency food assistance to individuals and families facing hunger.

Through its 15 pantries, the network offers free groceries, emphasizing fresh produce and nutrient-dense foods to promote healthier choices.

In addition to food distribution, the network provides educational resources, including information on SNAP benefits and nutrition education, empowering clients to make the most of their budgets.

The Alamosa Food Pantry serves as the hub of the network, regularly receiving perishable food donations from local retailers.

These contributions are bolstered by generous support from individuals and businesses organizing food drives, as well as partnerships with farmers who allow gleaning of leftover harvests.

These local resources constitute a significant portion of the food distributed.

Collaborating with the regional food bank, Care and Share, the network distributes surplus commodities from the federal Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), managed by the USDA.

These commodities supplement the variety of foods available to San Luis Valley residents and are provided free of charge.

The network's Commodities Warehouse is located at 8735 Independence Drive, Alamosa, CO 81101.

TEFAP distributions occur monthly, every fourth Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For assistance, please contact the Food Bank Network's main line.

Recent community initiatives have significantly supported the network's efforts.

In May 2025, the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, organized by local postal workers, collected 950 pounds of food for the Alamosa Food Bank and the Monte Vista Community Food Pantry.

This annual event demonstrates the community's commitment to addressing hunger.

In November 2024, the Alamosa Food Pantry relocated to a newly remodeled facility at the corner of State Avenue and 8th Street, formerly Atencio's Market.

This move has enhanced service delivery and accessibility for clients and volunteers.

However, the network faces challenges due to increased demand and federal funding cuts.

In 2024, over 12,500 individuals utilized the network's services, a significant increase from 9,700 in 2023.

Additionally, the USDA's reduction in funding for the Local Food Purchase Assistance program has impacted the network's ability to purchase food from local farmers.

Community support remains vital.

Donations can be brought to the Alamosa Food Bank at 802 State Ave., Monday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m., or to the Monte Vista Community Food Pantry at 245 Washington St. on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon.

To arrange other drop-off times or learn about the other 13 pantries' donation schedules, please call 719-589-4567.

For volunteer opportunities, sign up at La Puente's community volunteers page or call 719-587-3499.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.